History of Royce Baptist Church

Royce Baptist Church began as Royce Missionary Baptist Church on May 6, 1951, in the home of the Rev. L.S. Chambers, Jr., who lived on Sheridan Circle. The church was named Bible Baptist Tabernacle. The first services were held in the Jefferson High School Building, and the Rev. Letcher M. Vandergriff served as pastor.

In 1952, land was purchased on Royce Circle, and the name was changed to Royce Baptist Church. In 1962, the church voted to join the Southern Baptist Convention and called a pastor for full-time service. In planning for the future, members decided to sell the land in 1955 and purchase three acres on South Lasalle Road. During this period, the congregation met in Linden School Building. Work was completed on the basement of the present building in 1956. After meeting in that facility for several years, the sanctuary was completed, and the first worship service was conducted in it on August 23, 1959.

In 1966, additional rooms were added to the back portion of the sanctuary. The parsonage, which is now the church office and “guest quarters,” was completed in 1971. The church was remodeled in 1977, and the parking lot was enlarged and paved in 1984.

Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on January 21, 1966 for a family life center and new front. The front includes a drive-thru portico and a three-stop elevator. The family life center includes a gym, nursery, kitchen, six classrooms and a large upper room for middle-school, high-school and college students of the church. In 2016 a renovation of the basement was completed providing a small kitchen and several classrooms for children.